Training apparatus for developing proper tennis swing technique

ABSTRACT

A training apparatus for learning and improving upon proper tennis swing development. The apparatus has a rectangular frame mounted onto adjustable and telescoping vertical support members. The proximal end of the frame is attached to a return guide ramp, which is curved in shape to cause a ball to be returned at a correct height for the user. The distal end of the frame is attached to a backstop panel, which is arranged upwardly oriented at a predetermined angle to return a ball at a predetermined trajectory. A flexible material is disposed across the width of the rectangular frame and extends to the backstop panel and return guide ramp, and is rigid enough to provide a ball support and return surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a training apparatus for racket sports. More particularly, the present invention relates to a training apparatus for developing proper tennis swing technique.

2. Description of the Related Art

In tennis, as with most sports, players develop advanced skills and technique through practice and repetition. Sometimes a player wants to practice a specific shot or stoke, or a partner is not always available. During these instances a tennis backboard or ball machine is commonly used, so that a player can practice individually. The present invention provides for a backboard training apparatus that enhances proper swing technique and can be used in small areas indoors or outdoors.

A number of devices have been developed to aid in tennis swing development. Among those are one such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,235, to Torres, which discloses the use of an inclined plane backboard to return a ball for skill development in ball games, such as football or tennis

U.S. Pat. No. 8,590,901, to Goldwitz, discloses a collapsible/folding throwback device that is used in skill development to return a thrown ball. Goldwitz also teaches the use of telescoping angle members to adjust the angle of the throwback device.

Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,417,728, to Hay, describes a training apparatus for the improvement of strokes in racket games, which consists of a rebound surface with a curved upper portion that stops a ball delivered by a racket and returns it to the racket holder.

The aforementioned devices attempt to aid in skills development of ball games or racket sports using a rebound surface with an angled or curved backboard. However, these training devices are generally very large and difficult for less skilled tennis players since the ball is returned at difficult angles and varying velocities.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a tennis backboard without the drawbacks of size and unrealistic ball trajectory return. It is further an object of the present invention to provide a tennis backboard that can be used by players of all ages and heights through the use of telescoping and adjustable frame members.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a training apparatus for developing proper tennis swing development. An exemplary feature of the invention is a curved return guide ramp which provides proper delivery of a tennis ball to the correct height of the user, to enable the user to learn proper swing development. The present invention uses telescoping vertical support members to adjust the height of the apparatus to an appropriate height for the user, which in combination with the return guide ramp, returns a tennis ball at the correct height for the user, and thus provides a clear advantage over prior methods of the aforementioned training apparatuses.

It is contemplated that the training apparatus will be made up of a lightweight parallel frame having a curved return guide ramp at a proximal end and a straight backstop panel at a distal end. Parallel frame members are attached to vertical support members, which are telescoping for being adjusted to the height of various users. Additionally, the vertical support members of the parallel frame members are collapsible for easy storage and transportation of the training apparatus. A flexible material is disposed across the width of the parallel frame members, and extends to the backstop panel and return guide ramp, providing a ball support and return surface.

In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawing which is an illustration of a specific embodiment in which the invention may be practiced. This embodiment will be described in sufficient detail as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope if the invention. The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined best by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

In order that the invention may be for fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a training apparatus according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing one angle of a return guide ramp and one telescoping position of a vertical support according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view showing a training apparatus according to the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing the apparatus folding joint and vertical support angle adjustment joint according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the backstop panel, backstop panel folding joint, one telescoping position of the vertical support, and vertical support angle adjustment joint according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the collapsible nature of the training apparatus according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1 there is shown a training apparatus to aid in proper tennis swing development, which is described as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The training apparatus includes a frame means having two parallel frame members 10 and 20, with vertical support members 50, 60, 70, and 80 attached thereto, a backstop panel 30, a return guide ramp 40, and a rebound surface 90.

As shown in FIG. 1 vertical support members 50 and 80 are located at the proximal end of the parallel frame members 10 and 20, while vertical support members 60 and 70 are located at the distal end of the parallel frame members 10 and 20. Vertical support members 50 and 80 are preferably sufficiently shorter than vertical support members 60 and 70, for causing the rebound surface 90 of the training apparatus to be situated at approximately a forty-five degree angle relative to the ground on which the training apparatus is located. As shown in FIG. 3, vertical support members 60 and 70, are attached to frame members 20 and 10, respectively, at angle adjustment joints 61 and 71, respectively. As further illustrated by FIG. 3, vertical support members 60 and 70 contain telescoping extensions 62 and 72, respectively. Angle adjustment joints allow the training apparatus to fold flat for storage and transportation, while telescoping extensions allow the training apparatus to be adjusted for the height of different users. FIG. 2 shows vertical support member 50, as well angle adjustment joint 51, and vertical support telescoping extension 52. FIG. 5 shows vertical support member 80, angle adjustment joint 81, and vertical support telescoping extension 82. The telescoping extensions 52 and 82 and angle adjustment joints 51 and 81 of vertical support members 50 and 80, respectively, function the same as those of vertical support members 60 and 70.

Referring to FIG. 5, which shows a perspective view of the backstop panel 30. The backstop panel 30 connects the parallel frame members 10 and 20 at distal end, and is arranged upwardly oriented at a predetermined angle. The backstop panel 30 is arranged at a predetermined angle to return a ball at a predetermined trajectory to aid the user in proper tennis swing development. Additionally, the backstop panel 30 has folding joints 31 and 32 that allow the training apparatus to easily fold flat for storage and transportation.

As shown in FIG. 2, a side view of the return guide 40, the return guide 40 connects the parallel frame members 10 and 20 at proximal end, and is curved in shape to cause a ball to be returned to the user. The angle adjustment joints 41 and 42 allows the return guide ramp 40 to be adjusted to different angles, so that a tennis ball will be returned at the correct height for various users. Further, the angle adjustment joint 41 aids in folding the training apparatus flat for storage and transportation.

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the training apparatus, the rebound surface 90 consists of a flexible material disposed across the width of the parallel frame members 10 and 20, and extending to the backstop panel 30 and return guide ramp 40, and connected thereto for providing a ball support and return surface. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the rebound surface 90 is comprised of mesh netting, and includes indicia 91 representing the service lines of a tennis court. However, the rebound surface 90 could be constructed of any material of sufficient rigidity that would allow a tennis ball to be returned at a trajectory and time approximate of the normal return of an opposing player. Additionally, the indicia 91 on the rebound surface 90 could be comprised of hitting targets, graphics, logos, or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a perspective view showing the collapsible nature of the training apparatus according to the invention, the training apparatus can be folded flat for easy transportation and storage. The backstop panel 30 folds towards the frame members 10 and 20 at folding joints 31 and 32. The return guide ramp 40 folds toward the frame members 10 and 20 at angle adjustment joints 41 and 42. The vertical support members 50, 60, 70, and 80 telescope to the shortest position at telescoping extensions 52, 62, 72, and 82 respectively. Also, the vertical support members 50, 60, 70, and 80 fold towards frame members 10 and 20 at angle adjustment joints 51, 61, 71, and 81 respectively. Finally, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the entire training apparatus then folds in towards itself at frame member folding joints 11 and 21.

It is thought that the apparatus and method of use of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description and that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the parts thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the form hereinbefore described being merely a preferred or exemplary embodiment thereof. While there are shown and described presently preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A training apparatus to aid in proper tennis swing technique comprising: a) a frame made up of two parallel frame members; b) a backstop panel connecting said frame members at a distal end thereof, said backstop panel being movable into a predetermined angle to return a ball at a predetermined trajectory; d) a return guide ramp connecting said frame members at a proximal end thereof, and said return guide ramp being adjustable relative to the frame at the connection to the proximal end of said frame member and is curved in shape to cause a ball to be returned to a user at the correct height for a respective user; d) a vertical support at a distal end and a vertical support at a proximal end of said frame members; and e) a flexible material disposed across the width of said parallel frame members, and extending to the backstop panel and return guide ramp, and connected thereto for providing a ball support and return surface.
 2. A training apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said backstop panel is arranged upwardly oriented at a predetermined angle to return a ball at a predetermined trajectory.
 3. A training apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said return guide ramp is curved in shape to cause a ball to be returned at a correct height for the user.
 4. A training apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said vertical support is collapsible for allowing said apparatus to lay flat for storage or transportation.
 5. A training apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said support has a distal end and a proximal end, and is taller at the distal end than the proximal end as to position the distal end at a greater height.
 6. A training apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said vertical support is a tube made up of a first tube slidable in a second and telescoping in structure for allowing said apparatus to be adjusted for various user heights.
 7. A training apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said flexible material is made of mesh netting.
 8. A training apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said flexible material includes indicia representing hitting targets, graphics, or logos.
 9. A training apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said support surface is at about a 45° angle relative to the ground with the higher end being the distal end thereof. 